How to Study God's Word Biblically

Think about the last time the power went out unexpectedly. Suddenly, the lights go dark, and you’re forced to feel your way through the house. One small flashlight or even a phone screen can make all the difference.

Many of us are trying to navigate life’s complex challenges in spiritual darkness—making decisions, facing hardships, raising families—without the illumination we desperately need

Key Verse: Psalm 119:105

Psalm 119:105 NKJV

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

In a world of confusion and competing voices, God has given us His Word as our reliable guide—offering clarity, demanding consistency, and always pointing us to Christ.

1. Clarity: The Word Lights Our Path

Text: Psalm 119:105

Psalm 119:105 NKJV

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

God’s Word is not just information; it’s illumination.

It reveals truth, exposes sin, and shows us how to live in a way that pleases God.

Illustration: A flashlight doesn’t illuminate the entire journey but gives just enough light for the next step.

Likewise, Scripture often gives clarity for our immediate needs, not our curious five-year plans.

Supporting Scriptures:

Proverbs 6:23 – “23 For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,”

2 Timothy 3:16–17 – The Bible is God-breathed and equips us for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Application: Don’t wait to read the Bible until you’re in a crisis. Make it your daily lamp, illuminating decisions before darkness falls.

2. Consistency: Biblical Study is a Daily Discipline

Text: Psalm 119:10–11, 15–16

Psalm 119:10–11 NKJV

10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:15–16 NKJV

15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

Studying the Bible biblically means engaging it regularly—not for information only, but for transformation.

We must approach Scripture prayerfully, humbly, and with a desire to obey.

Dail Nourishment

Just as your body needs consistent nourishment, your spirit requires daily feeding.

Scripture engagement isn’t about checking boxes but building relationship.

Illustration: Just like eating food daily strengthens the body, spiritual nourishment must be consistent.

The 5-5-5 Method Explained:

5 minutes of silence: Clearing your mind, inviting God's presence

5 minutes of reading: Slow, thoughtful engagement with the text

5 minutes of prayer: Responding to what God has shown you

Addressing Common Obstacles:

“I don’t have time”: Start with just 5 minutes—less time than scrolling social media

“I don’t understand what I read”: Begin wiht the Gospels, use a readable translation

“I forget what I read”: Try writing down one verse that stands out.

Ask: What does the text say? What does it mean? How does it apply to my life?

Weekly Challenge:

Try the 5-5-5 method for the next 7 days

Start with John 1:1-18 and read progressively

3. Christ: The Word Leads Us to the Living Word

Text: John 1:1–5, 14 & John 8:12

John 1:1–5 NKJV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 8:12 NKJV

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the Word—He is the Light of the World.

When we read the Bible, we’re not just learning principles; we’re meeting a Person—Jesus.

Illustration: The Bible is like a stained-glass window. It might seem opaque from the outside, but when the light of Christ shines through, it becomes beautiful and clear.

All Scripture points to Him. (Luke 24:27 – Luke 24:27 “27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” )

Scripture Pointing to Christ—Example:

The bronze serpent in Numbers 21:4-9

Jesus applied this to Himself in John 3:14-15: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up"

Old Testament shadows reveal New Testament substance

Application:

Ask while reading: "How does this reveal Christ's character or mission?"

Let every passage lead you to worship, not just work

Conclusion: Are You Walking in the Light?

Conclusion: Are You Walking in the Light?

Heart-Searching Questions:

Are you stumbling through important decisions without divine guidance?

Has God's Word become familiar but not transformative in your life?

When was the last time Scripture changed your mind about something?

Are you reading Scripture to know about God or to know God?

Call to Action:

Commit to daily Scripture engagement—even if just for 5-5-5

Slow down to listen, not just skim

Let God's Word direct choices and renew your mind

Scripture Memorization:

Let's commit Psalm 119:105 to memory:

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path"